Education of Mendeleev. Mendeleev Dmitry Ivanovich. Industrial espionage and the luminary of Russian chemistry

15.06.2019

The Russian scientist Dmitry Mendeleev (1834-1907) is best known for his periodic law of chemical elements, on the basis of which he built a table familiar to every person since school. However, in fact, the great scientist was interested in a variety of areas of knowledge. Mendeleev's discoveries are connected with chemistry, physics, metrology, economics, geology, pedagogy, aeronautics, etc.

Periodic Law

The periodic law is one of the fundamental laws of nature. It lies in the fact that the properties of chemical elements depend on their atomic weight. Mendeleev discovered periodic law in 1869. The scientific revolution he had accomplished was not immediately recognized by chemists.

The Russian researcher proposed a regular system with the help of which it was possible to predict then unknown chemical elements and even their properties. After their soon-to-be-opened we are talking about gallium, germanium and scandium), world-famous scientists began to recognize the fundamental nature of the periodic law.

Mendeleev's discoveries took place in an era when science was replenished with new disparate facts about the world around us. Because of this, the periodic law and the periodic table of elements built on its basis faced serious challenges. For example, in 1890. noble gases and the phenomenon of radioactivity were discovered. Defending his theory, Mendeleev continued to improve the table, correlating it with all new scientific facts. The chemist placed argon, helium and their analogues in a separate zero group. Over time, the fundamental nature of the periodic law became clearer and more indisputable, and today it is rightfully considered one of the greatest discoveries in history. natural sciences.

silicate research

The periodic law is an extremely important page in the history of science, but Mendeleev's discoveries in the field of chemistry did not end there. In 1854 he investigated Finnish orthite and pyroxene. Also, one of the cycles of Mendeleev's works is devoted to the chemistry of silicates. In 1856, the scientist published his dissertation work "Specific Volumes" (in which an assessment was made of the relationship between the volume of a substance and its characteristics). In the chapter devoted to silica compounds, Dmitry Ivanovich dwelled in detail on the nature of silicates. In addition, he was the first to give a correct interpretation of the phenomenon of the glassy state.

gases

Early discoveries of Mendeleev were connected with another chemical and at the same time physical theme- research of gases. The scientist took up it, delving into the search for the causes of the law of periodicity. In the 19th century, the leading theory in this field of science was the theory of the "world ether" - an all-penetrating medium through which heat, light and gravity are transmitted.

Studying this hypothesis, the Russian researcher came to several important conclusions. Thus, Mendeleev's discoveries in physics were made, the main of which can be called the appearance with a universal gas constant. In addition, Dmitry Ivanovich proposed his own thermodynamic temperature scale.

In total, Mendeleev published 54 works on gases and liquids. The most famous in this cycle were "Experience of the chemical concept of the world ether" (1904) and "An attempt at a chemical understanding of the world ether" (1905). In his works, the scientist used virial presentations and thereby laid the foundations for modern equations for

Solutions

Solutions were of interest to Dmitri Mendeleev throughout his scientific career. Regarding this topic, the researcher did not leave a complete theory, but limited himself to a few fundamental theses. by the most important points regarding solutions, he considered their relation to compounds, chemistry and in solutions.

All of Mendeleev's discoveries were verified by him through experiments. Some of them concerned the boiling point of solutions. Thanks to detailed analysis topic, Mendeleev in 1860 came to the conclusion that, turning into vapor during boiling, the liquid loses the heat of evaporation and the surface of tension down to zero. Also, the teachings of Dmitry Ivanovich about solutions influenced the formation of the theory

Mendeleev was critical of the theory of electrolytic dissociation that appeared in his time. Without denying the concept itself, the scientist pointed out the need for its refinement, which was directly related to his work on chemical solutions.

Contribution to aeronautics

Dmitry Mendeleev, whose discoveries and achievements cover the most diverse areas of human knowledge, was interested not only in theoretical subjects, but also in applied inventions. Late XIX century passed under the sign of increased interest in the emerging aeronautics. Of course, the Russian erudite could not but pay attention to this symbol of the future. In 1875 he designed his own stratospheric balloon. Theoretically, the apparatus could rise even into the upper atmospheric layers. In practice, the first such flight did not occur until fifty years later.

Another invention of Mendeleev was a balloon powered by engines. Aeronautics interested the scientist, not least in connection with his other works related to meteorology and gases. In 1887, Mendeleev made an experimental flight in a balloon. The balloon managed to cover a distance of 100 kilometers at an altitude of almost 4 kilometers. For the flight, the chemist received gold medal Academy of Aerostatic Meteorology of France. In his monograph on the issues of environmental resistance, Mendeleev devoted one of the sections to aeronautics, in which he described in detail his views on this topic. The scientist was interested in the developments of the pioneer of aviation

Development of the North and shipbuilding

Applied discoveries of Mendeleev, the list of which can be continued by those in the field of shipbuilding, were made in collaboration with research geographical expeditions. So, Dmitry Ivanovich was the first to propose the idea of an experimental pool - an experimental setup necessary for hydromechanical studies of ship models. Admiral Stepan Makarov helped the scientist to realize this idea. On the one hand, the pool was needed for trade and military-technical purposes, but at the same time it turned out to be useful for science. The experimental installation was launched in 1894.

Among other things, Mendeleev designed an early prototype of an icebreaker. The scientist was included in the commission that selected the project for state appropriation of the world's first such ship. They became the icebreaker "Ermak", launched in 1898. Mendeleev did research sea water(including its density). The material for study was provided to him by the same Admiral Makarov, who had been on a round-the-world trip on the Vityaz. Mendeleev's discoveries in geography, related to the subject of the conquest of the North, were presented by scientists in more than 36 published works.

Metrology

In addition to other sciences, Mendeleev was interested in metrology - the science of the means and methods of measurement. The scientist worked on the creation of new methods of weighing. As a chemist he was a proponent of chemical methods of measurement. Mendeleev's discoveries, the list of which was replenished year by year, were not only scientific, but also literal - in 1893 Dmitry Ivanovich opened the Main Chamber of Weights and Measures of Russia. He also invented his own design of the arrester and rocker.

pyrocollodic gunpowder

In 1890, Dmitri Mendeleev went on a long business trip abroad, the purpose of which was to get acquainted with foreign laboratories for the development of explosives. The scientist took up this topic at the suggestion of the state. In the Naval Ministry, he was offered to contribute to the development of the Russian gunpowder business. Mendeleev's trip was initiated by Vice Admiral Nikolai Chikhachev.

Mendeleev believed that in the domestic powder industry it was most necessary to develop the economic and industrial aspects. He also insisted on the use of exclusively Russian raw materials in production. The main result of the work of Dmitri Mendeleev in this area was the development by him in 1892 of a new pyrocollodic gunpowder, distinguished by its smokelessness. Military experts highly appreciated the quality of this explosive. A feature of pyrocollodic gunpowder was its composition, which included nitrocellulose subject to solubility. Preparing for the production of new gunpowder, Mendeleev wanted to endow it with stabilized gas formation. To do this, in the manufacture of explosives, additional reagents were used, including all kinds of additives.

Economy

At first glance, Mendeleev's discoveries in biology or metrology are not at all connected with his image as a famous chemist. However, even more distant from this science were the studies of the scientist devoted to economics. In them, Dmitry Ivanovich considered in detail the directions of development of the economy of his country. Back in 1867, he joined the first domestic association of entrepreneurs - the Society for the Promotion of Russian Industry and Trade.

Mendeleev saw the future of the economy in the development of independent artels and communities. This progress implied concrete reforms. For example, the scientist proposed to make the community not just agricultural, but engaged in factory activities in winter period when fields are empty. Dmitry Ivanovich opposed resales and any form of speculation. In 1891 he participated in the development of a new customs tariff.

Protectionism and demography

Mendeleev, whose discoveries in the field of chemistry overshadow his successes in the humanities, all his economic research led with the quite practical purpose of helping Russia. In this regard, the scientist was a consistent protectionist (which, for example, was reflected in his work in the powder industry and his own letters to Tsar Nicholas II).

Mendeleev studied economics inseparably from demography. Shortly before his death, he noted in one of his works that in 2050 the population of Russia would be 800 million people. The scientist's forecast became a utopia after two world and civil war, repressions and other cataclysms that hit the country in the 20th century.

Refutation of spiritualism

In the second half of the 19th century, Russia, like the rest of the world, was embraced by a fashion for mysticism. Representatives were fond of esotericism high society, bohemia and ordinary city dwellers. Meanwhile, the discoveries of Mendeleev in chemistry, the list of which consists of many items, overshadow his long struggle with the then popular spiritualism.

The scientist exposed the techniques of mediums together with colleagues from the Russian Physical Society. With the help of a series of experiments with manometric and pyramidal tables, as well as other tools of hypnotists, Mendeleev came to the conclusion that spiritualism and similar practices are just a superstition that speculators and scammers profit from.

The greatest chemist credited with discovering the formula for vodka. An eccentric who saw his discovery in a dream, and an industrial spy. A great Russian scientist who did not receive the Nobel Prize for his revolutionary discovery. All this is about D. I. Mendeleev. What is true and what is fiction? In the article we will offer one of the views on the discovery of the periodic system of D. I. Mendeleev, consider its significance in the world of chemistry and in the system of all social sciences. Let's not ignore the rumors and quirks of the great genius.

Brief biographical note

Dmitry Mendeleev was the seventeenth child in the family of the director of the Tobolsk gymnasium, who was born on February 8, 1834. At school, he studied poorly, but at the Main Pedagogical Institute of St. Petersburg, things went better at the department of natural sciences. Having finished it in 1855 with a gold medal, the scientist had several works on chemistry behind him. A year later, Mendeleev became a Privatdozent and began his teaching career. In 1864 he received the title of professor and chair at St. Petersburg University. He creates a controlled balloon, invents a device for measuring the density of liquids (pycnometer), writes many works. Marries twice. The second was successful, six children are born in it. The scientist's heart stopped on February 2, 1907 in the circle of children and his beloved wife Anna.

Long way to 20 years

According to legend, the idea of a system of elements to D. I. Mendeleev came in a dream. But the documentation tells a different story. Once, answering a question about the creation of his own periodic system, the author said: “I have been thinking about it for maybe twenty years, and you think: I sat and suddenly ... it’s ready.”

The first day of the spring of 1869 in St. Petersburg was cloudy and frosty. Thirty-five-year-old D. I. Mendeleev drank a morning mug of milk and started breakfast. It was then that on a napkin he began to compare the atomic masses of chemical elements with their main properties. Breakfast was not over, and from the study where he retired, there were heard exclamations, so known to the household: “Oh, horned one! I will defeat you!" This testified that creative inspiration visited the scientist. And this was the beginning of the creation of a revolutionary system of elements and the Periodic Law of Chemical Elements by D. I. Mendeleev.

Maybe not in a dream, but in one day

Already on the evening of March 1, 1869, D. I. Mendeleev sent his work “Experience of a system of elements based on their atomic weight and chemical similarity. In his table, 63 known chemical elements took their places according to their molecular weights. And the periodic dependence of the properties of simple substances and their compounds on the charge of their nucleus and atoms, formulated by him, became the main law of inorganic chemistry - the law of periodic elements of D. I. Mendeleev.

Already on March 18, a scientist's report on his discoveries appeared in the journal of the Russian Chemical Society. He did not arouse optimism among the domestic scientific elite, as well as foreign luminaries of chemistry. The system of elements of D. I. Mendeleev was called not something worth doing, but a classification of something indefinite.

The long-awaited triumph came in 1875, when the French chemist Paul-Emile Lecoq de Boisbaudran discovered gallium (Ga), the existence of which was predicted by Dmitry Ivanovich. "Akaaluminum" Mendeleev and Lecoq's gallium coincided completely: in terms of atomic mass, density, formulas of compounds, properties of the metal.

Opening value

The number of supporters of the Periodic Law and the scientist grew more and more. The discovery of "Ekabor" (Sc) and "Ekasilicia" (Es) - elements predicted and described by D. I. Mendeleev, expanded the circle of scientists who supported the discoverer.

The significance of Dmitry Ivanovich's discovery is difficult to underestimate. The periodic system of elements of D. I. Mendeleev gave green light development of modern chemistry, made it a single and holistic science. On its basis, the rapid development of the doctrine of the atom and universal connections in nature began. In addition, the system discovered by D. I. Mendeleev accelerated the prediction and discovery of new chemical elements. Chemistry has ceased to be a descriptive science, but has become a science with the possibility of scientific foresight.

And what about the Nobel Prize?

Everyone knows that this prize has been awarded for the most outstanding discoveries since 1901, and the candidacies of laureates are approved by members of the Imperial Academy of Sciences in Stockholm in accordance with clear regulations.

Mendeleev's candidacy was submitted by the USSR Academy of Sciences for this award on 11/01/1955. It was rejected, like Tolstoy, Chekhov and Gorky, in connection with which there was even a refusal from the USSR to nominate scientists for a prize, which was considered not even international. The scandal did not flare up, but what is its reason? There are several versions.

The first - as it turned out, Dmitry Ivanovich had already been nominated for this award three times, in 1905, 1906 and 1907. But the candidacy was rejected by secret ballot of the Imperial Academy of Sciences. The reason is that only foreigners applied for the candidacy. So, maybe out of envy, maybe because of the difficult nature of the scientist, there were no compatriots among those who defended the discovery and its inventor.

Maybe because, back in 1880, Mendeleev quarreled with the Minister of Education, who refused to accept a student petition from him, and was expelled from the university. And all his life this scientist was a patriot and a very objectionable element for the authorities. This is the second version.

Version three - a conflict with the Nobel family. The oil tycoon and brother of Alfred Nobel, the founder of the award, Ludwig, at one time was very dissatisfied with the works of Mendeleev on the theft of Baku oil and the monopoly on its extraction and distillation. After all, it was Dmitry Ivanovich who, back in 1860, proposed to oust the Nobel family and build an oil pipeline to deliver oil to Central Russia.

"Russian standard of vodka" and Mendeleev

The doctoral dissertation of the scientist was called "Reasoning about the combination of alcohol with water", and there is not a word about vodka in it. It is about the proportions of alcohol and water at which the maximum decrease in the volume of two liquids occurs. And it just so happened that the combination is 46 degrees. And forty-degree vodka appeared in Russian open spaces when the scientist was only 9 years old. In 1843, the Russian government introduced a rule about minimum threshold alcohol in vodka at 40 degrees "plus or minus" 2. So in Russia they fought with a diluted product. And they also said that Dmitry Mendeleev made fake French cognacs and wines for the merchant Eliseev - the alcohol magnate of Russia.

Industrial espionage and the luminary of Russian chemistry

Dmitry Ivanovich Mendeleev had to become a spy at the request of the Minister of the Navy Nikolai Chikhachev in 1890. At that time, for imperial Russia, the issue of making smokeless powder, which was used in European countries, was important. And the scientist ordered the reports of rail transport in Britain, Germany and France, analyzed the deliveries to the powder factories, and a week later gave the minister the proportions of two options for smokeless powder for Russia. "Mendeleev gunpowder", not patented in time by the Russian government, was intercepted by the Americans. And in 1914, Russia bought tons of it in America for gold, and the producers grinned, selling to the Russians "a Russian product - pyrocollodium."

Dmitri Ivanovich Mendeleev

Only these three words are engraved on the scientist's grave at the Volkovsky cemetery in St. Petersburg. Although the authority of the scientist was enormous, and the number of his titles and titles was more than a hundred names. He, an honorary member of almost all domestic and foreign scientific societies, academies and universities, signed his private and official correspondence only with his first and last name. Rarely adding the word "professor".

According to eyewitnesses, on the anniversary of the death of the great chemist, words were said on his grave that nothing more should be written on his monument, because that says it all. According to the scientist himself, in his life there were only three services to the Motherland: the general Russian pride in his work, his thousands of famous students who increase the glory of the fatherland, and service for the benefit of the development of Russia's industry.

Chemical element 101

Mendelevium (Md) is the name of an element discovered in 1955 and named after the great chemist. A crater on the far side of the moon and an underwater mountain range in pacific ocean. The name of Dmitri Ivanovich Mendeleev bears several universities and many educational institutions around the world. Since 1964, his name has adorned the honor roll of the University of Bridgeport, one of the leading universities in the United States of America, on a par with Euclid, Archimedes, Nicolaus Copernicus, Galileo Galilei, Isaac Newton and Antoine Lavoisier.

A man who sewed his own clothes, was fond of restoring and repairing suitcases, a lover of hand-rolled cigarettes, which he always rolled himself. Author of the greatest work "Fundamentals of Chemistry" and the Periodic Table of Elements, talented teacher and beloved teacher, founder of fractional distillation of oil and the theory of its inorganic origin, supporter recycling raw materials and the author of the work “Scum or Remains”, where he talks about the useless, which can become useful, the inventor of the balloon and airtight compartments for the pilot and passengers, and so on. All this is about our great compatriot - Dmitry Ivanovich Mendeleev, who, with his "natural wildness of a Siberian", left an indelible impression on his contemporaries.

In the 19th century, as never before, much was done scientific discoveries and created technical inventions. It seemed that nothing is inexplicable or beyond the power of science. One of the brightest representatives that time was the scientist and inventor Mendeleev Dmitry Ivanovich. A brief biography and his discoveries are described in this article.

How D.I. Mendeleev spent his childhood

The future scientist was born last, seventeenth child in the family January 27 according to the Julian calendar of 1834 in Tobolsk.

Dmitry's mother, Maria Dmitrievna Kornilieva, owned a small glass factory.

And his father was the director of the schools of the Tobolsk district, Ivan Mendeleev.

Dmitry Ivanovich spent his childhood surrounded by the Russian intelligentsia.

His family often visited with his brother Maria Dmitrievna, who was the manager of the princes Trubetskoy.

Often writers, artists, and scientists visited him.

The future chemist also received many first life impressions at his mother's factory.

Mendeleev Dmitry Ivanovich short biography

In 1850, at the age of 16, Dmitry began his studies at the Main Pedagogical Institute in St. Petersburg. A month and a half later, his mother died, and the young man was left without relatives and friends, as well as without property. He studied with great interest. Chemistry and mineralogy were his favorite subjects. Dmitry was especially fascinated by the huge variety of chemical transformations and compounds, which are based on only a few dozen elements. In the last year, for the final thesis "Isomorphism" about chemical processes accompanying the formation of crystals, was awarded the gold medal of Dmitry Ivanovich Mendeleev. The photo is shown below:

In the autumn of 1856, the future discoverer of the Periodic Law became a professor at the Institute of Technology and assistant professor at the university in St. Petersburg. From 1859 to 1861 he worked in Heidelberg (Germany). Having his own laboratory, he conducted scientific research in an as yet undetermined direction. However, after the International Congress of Chemists in 1860 in Karlsruhe, the scientist came to the conclusion that should work towards atomic masses (at that time the term "atomic weight" was used).

In 1862, the inventor, at the persuasion of his sister married Feozva Nikitichnaya Leshcheva. Mendeleev never got along with his first wife. Children, however, enjoyed the special tenderness of their father. Soon he bought the Boblovo estate, which reminded him of his native Tobolsk. The scarce lands of those places were well suited for his agricultural experiments. He took up the analysis of fertilizers and conditions affecting the harvest, taught the peasants efficient farming. As a result, the amount of harvest, given the scarcity of land, was surprisingly large.

The results of the Mendeleev doctoral dissertation on the mixing of water and ethyl alcohol, which the scientist defended in 1865, formed the basis of alcoholometry in Holland, Austria, Germany and Russia.

Further scientific research led to the creation in early 1869 of the Periodic System. Most of the world's academies have elected the creator of the table of elements as their member, and the most famous universities have honorary doctorates.

The marriage of the great inventor was not happy, and in the spring of 1877 he started an affair with a 17-year-old artist. After 3 years, the scientist finally parted with his family, and in April 1882 they got married. Since then, artists often began to visit the house - Repin, Yaroshenko, Kuindzhi.

Since 1892 the great chemist has become chief keeper of the depot of measures and weights. And in a matter of years he turned this institution into a major science Center. Not without reason young years he loved precise measurements and sensitive instruments.

On January 20, 1907, Mendeleev died of pneumonia in St. Petersburg. A brief biography of the great scientist testifies to his true devotion to his homeland and science. Dmitry Ivanovich was buried at the Volkovsky cemetery.

Mendeleev Dmitry Ivanovich interesting facts from life

On August 7, 1897, the already middle-aged chemist decided to leave the Earth for hot-air balloon with an experienced aeronaut to observe the solareclipses. Just before the ascent, it began to rain, and it was obvious that the wet balloon would not be able to lift two people. The aeronaut jumped out of the basket, and the balloon suddenly began to rise. The scientist, who took off in a balloon for the first time in his life, had no choice but to carry out his plan alone. Once above the dense clouds, he observed the total eclipse, and then landed the balloon.

On the eve of the burial the brain of the great chemist was seized for research hoping to find out the reason for his genius, as well as genius in general. A year later, Professor Bekhterev reported that the brain of the late scientist was distinguished by a special development and an excess of convolutions. Perhaps only Mendeleev himself did not consider himself a genius. Interesting Facts from the life of the great chemist, however, are not limited to these two.

What did Dmitry Ivanovich Mendeleev invent for the needs of the army

In 1890-1892, Dmitry Ivanovich, together with I. M. Cheltsov, worked on the creation of smokeless powder. In December 1890, he obtained soluble nitrocellulose, a product of the interaction of cellulose with nitric acid. And in January 1891 - a special kind of it, called the creator of "pyrocollodia". The scientist developed his own recipe for smokeless powder based on pyrocollodium, which turned out to be better than the foreign one.

Frequent question asked in crosswords and quizzes, sounds something like this: “Everyone knows Dmitry Ivanovich Mendeleev. What did this scientist invent for the needs of the army (5 letters)? Of course, the answer is simple, but not too attentive people answer: "smokeless pyrocolloid powder" when in reality the powder is pyrocolloidal.

Mendeleev Dmitry Ivanovich achievements in chemistry and science

During his conscious life, D. I. Mendeleev made a tangible contribution to various scientific fields. Scientist's discoveries brought great benefits to the world and especially Russia. His main scientific achievements are listed and briefly explained below:

The discovery of the Periodic Law - one of the fundamental laws of the universe, inalienable for all natural science.
Derivation of the ideal gas equation. This equation expresses the interdependence between the volume, pressure and temperature of any gas, if we neglect the dimensions and potential energy its molecules, as well as the time that their collisions take.
Proposal to introduce a thermodynamic temperature scale.
Creation of the Doctrine of Solutions, which shows the relationship of properties and chemical composition solutions.
Creation of pyrocollodic smokeless powder.
Introduction of new methods of oil distillation, ideas for the construction of oil pipelines. As a result, Russia was turned from an importer into an exporter of petroleum products.
Creation of an exact theory of weights.

Mendeleev Dmitry Ivanovich: periodic table

Between the properties of certain chemical elements, both a strong similarity and a sharp contrast were found. The attempts made to classify the elements were far from perfect.

The ingenious chemist discovered that if elements with similar properties are arranged in order of increasing atomic mass, then they turn out to be located in the order of change in severity. common properties. If arrange in ascending order of the weight of the atom all known elements, then in this case the series will be divided into segments, within which a regular change in the characteristics of the elements is observed. From here follows the law: the characteristics of chemical elements are in a periodic dependence on the mass of their atom.

For clarity, the systematization of elements, it is advisable to present them in the form of a table. Where the lines form periods - the segments that have just been mentioned. And the columns make up groups of similar elements, arranged in descending or increasing severity of their common properties.

With the help of the Periodic system, it was possible to predict the existence of yet unknown elements and even to determine in detail the properties of some of them. This is exactly what Dmitri Ivanovich Mendeleev did. His table remains the most successful to date. classification of elements of chemistry.

The most important thing in life is considered by such a scientist as Mendeleev Dmitry Ivanovich ( short biography). And his discoveries left a noticeable mark in the science of Russia. Do you think these achievements are important? Leave your opinion or feedback for everyone on the forum.

On October 19, 1875, in a report at a meeting of the Physical Society at St. Petersburg University, Dmitry Mendeleev put forward the idea of a balloon with a pressurized gondola to study high-altitude layers of the atmosphere. Dmitri Mendeleev was a fantastically erudite person and scientist, a researcher in many sciences. During his life, Mendeleev made many great discoveries. Today we decided to make a selection of the five main achievements of Dmitri Mendeleev.

Creation of a controlled balloon

Dmitri Mendeleev studied gases in chemistry. Mendeleev was also interested in projects of stratospheric balloons and balloons. So in 1875 he developed a project of a stratospheric balloon with a volume of about 3600 m3 with a sealed gondola, implying the possibility of rising into the upper atmosphere, and later he designed a controlled balloon with engines.

Creating a Periodic Table of Chemical Elements

One of the main achievements of Dmitri Ivanovich Mendeleev was the creation of a periodic table of chemical elements. This table is a classification of chemical elements that establishes the relationship various properties elements from charge atomic nucleus. The table is a graphical expression of the periodic law, which was established by Mendeleev himself. It is also known that the periodic table, developed by Mendeleev more within the framework of chemistry, was a ready-made systematization of the types of atoms for new branches of physics.

Discovery of critical temperature

Another significant achievement of Mendeleev is the discovery of the "absolute boiling point of liquids", that is, the critical temperature. The critical temperature was discovered by Mendeleev in 1860, having set up a laboratory in his house, with the help of which he studied the surface tension of liquids at various temperatures. By itself, in thermodynamics, "critical temperature" means the temperature at the critical point, that is, at a temperature above the critical point, the gas cannot be condensed at any pressure.

Discovery of the general equation of state for an ideal gas

The ideal gas equation of state is a formula that establishes the relationship between pressure, molar volume and the absolute temperature of an ideal gas. This equation is called the Claiperon-Mendeleev equation, precisely because both of these scientists contributed to the discovery of the equation. If Clapeyron's equation contained a non-universal gas constant, the value of which had to be measured for each gas, then Mendeleev found the proportionality factor of what he called the universal gas constant.

The periodic law of chemical elements is an important discovery, thanks to which Dmitri Mendeleev entered history forever. Interesting facts from the life of a scientist allow you to learn more about it mysterious man to penetrate his secrets. What is known about him besides what a huge contribution he made to the development of science?

Mendeleev: interesting facts from life

He was born in Tobolsk, it happened in February 1834. Of course, of great interest is the family in which Dmitry Mendeleev was born. Interesting facts from the life of the famous scientist indicate that he comes from large family became the seventeenth child of his parents. Unfortunately, eight children died under the age of one, but the rest survived.

Dmitry barely had time to celebrate his thirteenth birthday when the family lost its breadwinner. The father, who worked as the director of the Tobolsk gymnasium, died of a serious illness. Mendeleev's mother had to work hard in order to raise her children to their feet. It was she who made sure that the future great scientist became a student of the Main Pedagogical Institute, which was later renamed St. Petersburg State University.

From a loser to a medalist

Surprisingly, while studying at the gymnasium, Dmitry Mendeleev was not at all drawn to knowledge. Interesting facts from the life of a scientist include information about his school grades. It is known that the Law of God and Latin were the most difficult for him, and other sciences did not arouse any particular interest in him.

There is also information that Mendeleev had problems with his studies even at the time when he was a student at the Main Pedagogical Institute. It is even known that the brilliant scientist once found himself among the repeaters, as he received unsatisfactory grades in many subjects. Then he managed to pass only mathematics well. However, gradually he developed a craving for knowledge, he got involved in his studies, his grades got better and better, thanks to which he was awarded a gold medal at graduation.

Recalcitrant teacher

Not only an outstanding scientist, but also an excellent teacher was Dmitri Mendeleev. Interesting facts from the life of a genius say that he happened to teach at several gymnasiums. The chemist spent about 30 years working at the Imperial St. Petersburg University, from which he was forced to leave by an unpleasant conflict.

The nature of the luminary of science was quite complex, according to the memoirs of contemporaries. No wonder he had to resign from the university in 1890. It is known that this happened because of a quarrel with the Minister of Public Education. Minister Delyanov did not agree to pay attention to the petition of the students, which the proud Mendeleev could not put up with.

"Inventor" of vodka

Many great scientists are credited with discoveries that they never made. Mendeleev Dmitry Ivanovich could not avoid this fate, interesting facts from whose life are given in this article. The myth that this outstanding scientist is the inventor of vodka has become widespread.

In fact, vodka was created long before the ingenious scientist presented his doctoral dissertation, which was called "Discourse on the combination of water and alcohol." It is known for sure that there is no mention of alcoholic beverages in it. This paper discusses the properties that mixtures of water and alcohol have. The population of Russia got acquainted with vodka as early as 1843, when its alleged "inventor" was not yet ten years old. Consequently, Mendeleev has nothing to do with it.

fictional dream

Did a talented person really dream of a table that made him famous? Prophetic dreams also never saw Dmitry Ivanovich Mendeleev, interesting facts from whose life are collected in this article. It is known that the scientist was even offended when he heard the myth that he dreamed of the periodic table of elements. He stated that he worked on its creation for about twenty years, but did not see it in a dream at all, therefore, such statements devalue his work.

It is known that the periodic law was discovered by Dmitry in February 1869. It happened when I was going on a business trip. It was then that it dawned on him that chemical properties and the mass is connected. The planned trip had to be postponed, as Mendeleev went to work with his head.

Unusual hobby

What other interesting facts from the life of Mendeleev exist? Briefly, it is worth talking about an amazing hobby that a brilliant chemist devoted a lot of time to for many years. Dmitry's passion, which few people know about these days, was the manufacture of suitcases. Surprisingly, in Moscow and St. Petersburg, he managed to gain a reputation as the most outstanding suitcase maker.

Of course, the merchants were happy to purchase suitcases from the scientist, being proud that the products were bought from the very luminary of science. However, not only the fame, which Dmitry already enjoyed at that time, forced them to turn to him. Interestingly, things were indeed of unusually high quality and durable. Their amazing strength was ensured with the help of a special adhesive mixture, on which the genius stopped after researching other recipes for creating glue. Unfortunately, the recipe invented by Mendeleev remained a secret for posterity, since he did not want to make it public.

It is also known that the talented scientist enjoyed binding books, he also liked gluing frames intended for portraits. Hobbies helped him relax and take a break from work.

The Prize That Wasn't

It is very strange that D. I. Mendeleev did not manage to become, interesting facts from whose life are covered by us. It has been established that the great chemist was among the nominees three times. However, in a secret ballot, which was held by members of the Imperial Academy of Sciences, his candidacy constantly failed, the scientist was nominated exclusively by foreigners.

Biographers researching life path famous chemist, they attribute this misunderstanding to the intrigues of ill-wishers, as well as to his inability to please superior persons in authority.

Aerostat flights

What other interesting facts about the life and work of Mendeleev exist? It is known that a brilliant scientist for many years worked on the design aircraft. The chemist wanted to study the humidity, pressure and temperature in the upper atmospheric layers in this way. Stratostat project, the volume of which totaled 3600 cubic meters, was developed by Dmitry in 1875. He is also the author of the idea of a controlled balloon with engines.

It is interesting that the scientist not only developed projects, but also flew balloons with pleasure, not thinking about the danger to his life. This happened for the first time in 1878, it was then that Mendeleev took to the air in the balloon of Henri Giffard. He made a new flight nine years later in the city of Klin. However, the chemist decided on the most extreme adventure in 1887, when he alone took to the air in the Russian balloon. It is known that the height of the flight of the ball then amounted to more than three thousand meters.

Generally dangerous adventure took about three hours, which was enough for Dmitry to admire the full solar eclipse and recorded pressure and temperature.

Scientist spy and smokeless powder

What else is worth knowing for readers who are interested in interesting facts from the life of a brilliant chemist, whose name is forever imprinted in the history of science? Few people know that Dmitry had a chance to try on the role of an industrial spy. It happened in 1890, when the authorities turned to the scientist for help. The government was interested in a closely concealed recipe for smokeless powder that was too expensive to acquire.

Mendeleev undertook to complete the assignment, for which he needed reports railways foreign states(France, Germany, Britain). It was not difficult for a talented chemist to unravel the recipe for gunpowder, after which he made it for Russia. It is amazing that Dmitry easily obtained information carefully hidden by foreigners from reports that were in the public domain.

Pipeline for pumping oil

Of course, not all interesting facts about Mendeleev, the talented inventor of the periodic table, are listed above. It's no secret that this particular chemist is the author of the inorganic theory. Dmitry developed a scheme for its fractional distillation. The scientist became the first person who came to the conclusion that it is impossible to burn oil in furnaces.

It was thanks to the activities of Mendeleev that the owners of oil enterprises learned that tanks should be used to transport oil, and not wineskins, as was customary. The convincing figures cited by Dmitry made it possible to prove the obvious benefits of transporting oil in bulk. It was also he who recommended building factories for its processing where the places of consumption of petroleum products are located.

Chemical element named after him

10 interesting facts from the life of Mendeleev can be read above. However, the list would not be complete without mentioning mendelevium. Chemical element, located in the periodic table at number 101, got its name in honor of its creator, who deservedly received this honor. Mendelevium was artificially created in 1955.

Interestingly, even during the development of his scientist, he singled out empty cells that he had saved for elements that had not yet been discovered by scientists. Subsequently, chemical and physical properties of these elements were determined using the periodicity table.

What else do you need to know

Having an idea about the events that took place in the life of a scientist, you can better understand what kind of person Dmitry Mendeleev was. Interesting facts from life, briefly described in the article, will certainly help to understand this. You can also add that the portrait of the famous scientist was painted by many talented artists. For example, his image was captured on canvas by the brilliant Ilya Repin.

It is also interesting that Mendeleev himself was fond of painting, but he preferred to review other people's paintings, rather than paint his own. Also, the talented scientist devoted some of his free time to music lessons, he was especially admired by the work of Beethoven, but he also had other favorite composers.